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Given the complex and unpredictable developments of Typhoon No. 12 (international name Fengshen), the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam immediately issued an urgent dispatch, requiring the entire aviation industry to proactively and synchronously implement preventive and response measures. The ultimate goal was to ensure absolute safety for flight operations, personnel, and property at all airports and airfields in the areas expected to be affected.
According to meteorological forecasts, airports in the central region are expected to be directly affected by this strong storm. The Civil Aviation Authority has identified three key airports requiring the highest level of preparedness: Phu Bai (Hue), Da Nang, and Chu Lai (Quang Nam). At the same time, nearby airports such as Pleiku and Phu Cat are also required to closely monitor weather developments and be ready to proactively respond to any unusual changes.
The Civil Aviation Authority has directed relevant units to urgently coordinate and inspect the entire system of facilities and technical equipment. This includes inspecting airport infrastructure, communication systems, structures, and stations to promptly detect and address any damage.
The Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority has requested increased inspections to ensure flight safety and airport infrastructure in anticipation of the complex developments of the storm as it makes landfall.
To minimize damage from storms, infrastructure protection is a top priority. Airports must immediately implement comprehensive flood control plans and clear drainage channels within the airport area. The goal is to effectively protect facilities, vehicles, and operational equipment, minimizing damage caused by heavy rain and strong winds.
Particularly for construction projects at Chu Lai and Phu Cat airports, the Civil Aviation Authority requests that investors instruct contractors to immediately implement storm response measures. Contractors must clearly identify technical stopping points to temporarily halt construction depending on the storm's development, and prepare all necessary conditions to promptly address any construction incidents and ensure safety.
The Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority has just issued a document to relevant units urging them to proactively prevent and respond to Typhoon No. 12 (international name Fengsheng) in order to ensure the safety of flight operations, people, and property at airports.
Due to adverse weather conditions, airlines have had to make significant adjustments to their flight schedules to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Vietnam Airlines, the national airline, announced planned adjustments and cancellations of flights at the directly affected airports of Hue and Da Nang on October 22nd and 23rd.
On October 22nd, several flights between Hanoi and Hue (VN1545, VN1544) departed two hours earlier. Flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Hue (VN1378, VN1379) on October 22nd also had their departure times adjusted to the morning of October 23rd. Similarly, many flights between Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang also had their departure times adjusted to be earlier than originally scheduled.
The Department also noted that airports should implement plans to prevent and mitigate rain and storms, including measures to prevent flooding, clear drainage channels within airports, and protect facilities, vehicles, and equipment at airports.
Several flights on October 22nd (such as VN1549/VN1548 between Hanoi and Hue; VN7197 between Hanoi and Da Nang; VN7122/VN142/VN143 between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang; VN1940/VN1941 between Da Nang and Cam Ranh) were cancelled. A series of flights on October 23rd (such as VN156 between Da Nang and Hanoi; VN101 between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City) were also cancelled.
Vietnam Airlines also noted that many other domestic and international flights may be affected indirectly due to the complex developments of Typhoon No. 12. The airline is committed to assisting affected passengers in accordance with current regulations.
The Department also noted that after the storm weakened and made landfall, there was a potential risk of post-storm rain, and requested that units arrange 24/7 duty shifts, proactively update meteorological information, and promptly propose appropriate and safe exploitation plans.
To ensure safety throughout the journey, the Civil Aviation Authority and airlines have issued special recommendations for passengers. Passengers are advised to keep their seatbelts fastened throughout the flight, especially in complex weather conditions when the aircraft is at risk of air turbulence.
Passengers planning to fly during this period are advised to regularly monitor and update themselves on the latest weather conditions and operational information from the airline through official channels such as fan pages, websites, or via text messages/emails registered when booking tickets.
The Civil Aviation Authority has instructed all units to maintain a 24/7 on-call system even after the storm weakens and makes landfall, due to the risk of prolonged heavy rainfall. Units must proactively update meteorological information to promptly propose appropriate operational plans, ensuring safety. Preparing the necessary conditions to promptly address incidents and quickly stabilize all aviation operations after the storm is a top priority to best serve passenger travel needs. This work aims to minimize damage and quickly restore all aviation activities to normal.
